### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lêʼâh**, represented by `{{H3812}}`, means **weary**. It appears **34 times** across **32 unique verses**, almost exclusively referring to Leah, a wife of **Jacob** `{{H3290}}`. Her story is foundational to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, making her a key matriarchal figure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Lêʼâh** `{{H3812}}` is introduced as the **elder** `{{H1419}}` daughter of Laban, notable for her **tender** `{{H7390}}` **eyes** `{{H5869}}` [[Genesis 29:16-17]]. She becomes Jacob's first wife through deception, when Laban substitutes her for her younger sister, Rachel, on the wedding night [[Genesis 29:23-25]]. The narrative establishes that Jacob **loved** `{{H157}}` Rachel more than **Leah** `{{H3812}}`, and the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` responded to Leah's plight of being **hated** `{{H8130}}` by opening her **womb** `{{H7358}}` [[Genesis 29:30-31]]. Her life is characterized by a rivalry with Rachel, centered on bearing children for Jacob. Ultimately, her honored status is confirmed by her burial in the patriarchal tomb alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah [[Genesis 49:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial to understanding Leah's narrative:
* `{{H7354}}` **Râchêl** (Rachel, a wife of Jacob): Leah's younger, more beautiful, and more loved sister and co-wife. The dynamic between the two sisters is a central conflict in their story [[Genesis 29:17]].
* `{{H3290}}` **Yaʻăqôb** (Jacob): The husband of both Leah and Rachel. Leah continually strives for his affection, which he reserves primarily for Rachel ([[Genesis 29:30]], [[Genesis 30:20]]).
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): Leah's primary means of finding worth and favor in her family. She bore six of Jacob's sons, who became heads of tribes in Israel [[Genesis 35:23]].
* `{{H8198}}` **shiphchâh** (handmaid): When Leah temporarily stopped bearing children, she gave her handmaid **Zilpah** `{{H2153}}` to Jacob to ensure her family line would continue to grow [[Genesis 30:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of **Lêʼâh** `{{H3812}}` is demonstrated in several ways:
* **Divine Providence:** The narrative emphasizes that God sees and acts on behalf of the unloved. The **LORD** `{{H3068}}` **saw** `{{H7200}}` that **Leah** `{{H3812}}` was **hated** `{{H8130}}` and intervened by making her fruitful [[Genesis 29:31]]. Leah herself acknowledges this when naming her first son, saying, "Surely the LORD hath looked upon my **affliction** `{{H6040}}`" [[Genesis 29:32]].
* **A Mother of Nations:** Despite her personal struggles, Leah is honored as one of the two women who "did build the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`" [[Ruth 4:11]]. Her sons include not only Jacob's **firstborn** `{{H1060}}`, Reuben, but also **Levi** `{{H3878}}` and **Judah** `{{H3063}}`, the ancestors of Israel's priestly and royal lines, respectively [[Genesis 35:23]].
* **Hope in Affliction:** Leah names her sons in response to her circumstances, revealing a journey from sorrow to praise. She hopes her sons will earn her husband's love, but by the birth of Judah, her focus shifts to praising the LORD ([[Genesis 29:35]], not in dossier, but implied by the flow). Later, at the birth of Zebulun, she expresses hope that her husband will finally **dwell** `{{H2082}}` with her [[Genesis 30:20]].
### Summary
In summary, the story of **Lêʼâh** `{{H3812}}` transforms the meaning of "weary" from personal sorrow into enduring strength. She is not merely a secondary wife but a pivotal figure through whom God's covenant promises are advanced. Her life illustrates a profound theological truth: divine purpose is often fulfilled through human hardship, and God pays special attention to the afflicted and overlooked. Through her children, Leah becomes an essential mother of the people of **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, securing a legacy of honor that transcends her difficult circumstances.
TRV